Protests hit Zamfara, as residents decry daily bandit killings

Residents of Zamfara State filled the streets of Gusau on Wednesday, decrying the persistent killings and abductions that have terrorised their communities for months.

The demonstration, which brought movement in the state capital to a standstill for more than two hours, drew protesters from numerous communities in Gusau Local Government Area to the gates of the Zamfara State Government House.

Chanting protest songs and brandishing placards bearing messages such as “We the people of about 30 communities of Gusau 11 need peace and want to be rescued from bandits” and “Peace is our concern as we are being killed every day. End banditry in Mada, Lilo, Ruwan Bore, Fegin Baza, Bangi, others,” demonstrators pressed for swift government action.

They named Mada, Ruwan Bore, Fegin Baza, Bangi, Lilo, Wonaka and Fegin Mahe among the worst-affected areas, where recurring raids have resulted in casualties and mass abductions.

Protesters described how the violence had crippled their means of survival. Many said they had been unable to farm since the onset of the rainy season as bandits looted homes, destroyed food supplies and abducted residents.

Abubakar Abdullahi, a farmer and trader from Fegin Mahe, recounted losing multiple family members to attacks and goods worth more than ₦1 million, including 500 bags of fertiliser worth ₦65,000 each, stolen from his shop. 

“We have cried enough. Our communities are in danger, and no one from the government has come to console us since this crisis escalated about three months ago,” he lamented, making a direct plea to Governor Dauda Lawal to act.

Though the protest remained peaceful, many participants vowed to continue demonstrating until the state authorities address their grievances.

Responding on behalf of the government, Hon. Abubakar Iman, Chairman of Gusau Local Government Council, represented by Aminu Wakili Mada, acknowledged the plight of residents from Mada, Ruwan Bore and Fegin Mahe.

He assured protesters that the administration, working with security agencies, is intensifying efforts to restore order and would soon deploy personnel to the most affected areas.

Iman restated the government’s determination to confront the growing security crisis and pledged closer engagement with beleaguered communities in the coming days.